(Linda Vargas with Demi Fernandez and the
company. Pic by Val Adamson)
The Linda Vargas
Flamenco Dance Company in collaboration with jazz musicians Neil Gonsalves
(piano), Demi Fernandez (jazz/flamenco guitar) once again take to the intimate
venue of UKZN’s Jazz Centre to present Juego
Flamenco, the latest instalment in
what is now an annual treat for Durban audiences from these well-respected
performers.
Flamenco is a style of fusion dance from Andalucia which is
a blend of Spanish, Indian, Arabic, Latin and Celtic cultures. It uses rhythmic
clapping and stamping combined with expressive arm movements to express the
power and beauty of the individual soul.
Having previously
explored the fusion between flamenco and Jazz, Arabic, Indian Kathak, Celtic,
and South American styles; Juego Flamenco,
meaning ‘flamenco game,’ is a playful blend of these musical and movement
styles whilst still embracing the flamenco essence. Featuring pulsating rhythms and exhilarating
music and dance, Juego Flamenco will
provide audiences with yet another feast for the senses.
Backed by Demi
Fernandez and Neil Gonsalves, these renowned musicians in their own right
present new compositions alongside the dance. They are joined by Bryan Stone on
percussion who will also add live singing, alongside Gemma Schumann – who made
her singing debut as a highlight in last year’s show.
Linda Vargas is the
founder and director of the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company. She has
choreographed numerous flamenco dance productions as well as the opera
productions La Traviata, Amal, Faust,
Salome and Carmen. She co-founded
the international organization Alianza Flamenca and is a member of its Board of
Directors, as well as its panel of international examiners. She currently
lectures at UKZN and performs, examines and conducts educational and corporate
workshops both nationally and internationally. Her educational dance workshops
in schools and for NAPTOSA assist teachers to incorporate dance in the formal
school curriculum. Vargas holds a Masters Degree in Education as well as BA
Honours in Drama, LISTD and Final Diploma (ISTD, London).
Gonsalves holds a
Masters degree in Music and has performed in various national music festivals
with numerous South Africa jazz and Afro-beat luminaries as well as his own
band, Tonk. He has also toured internationally, including a four-year stint as
part of Johnny Clegg’s band. He has released a solo album North Facing which represents a blend of modern South African and
Nordic Jazz.
Fernandez was born
in Brazil of Spanish parents and spent many years living and performing in
Flamenco Tablaos in Spain. He has also appeared as leading flamenco guitarist
with numerous South African and international Spanish dance companies. He is resident guitarist for the Linda Vargas
Flamenco Dance Company and Alianza Flamenca. He has composed musical scores for
several SABC TV productions and also appeared in numerous productions including
Guitars for Africa in Durban and at
the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. He currently lectures in the University
of KwaZulu-Natal’s Jazz programme.
Juego Flamenco runs at the Centre for Jazz and Popular
Music on the UKZN’s Howard College campus from December 8 to11. Performances
are nightly at 19h00 and on December 11 at 15h00. Entrance R130 (R100
students/pensioners). Bookings through Linda on: lindavargasflamenco@gmail.com or 031 201 0750 (mornings only). Tickets are limited for each
performance so advanced booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
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